Page 12 of The Pumpkin Spice Romance
Leonie breathed against the tightness in her chest, hoping her terse replies would get the message across while simultaneously hiding her emotions. Her parents hadn’t mentioned Mark or the business or anything since that night at the restaurant. Conversation at home had been pleasant and functional and entirely unclear whether the matter was closed or if there was still something left unsaid.
There were probably lots of somethings left unsaid, but these suitcases wouldn’t fill themselves.
The bedroom ensuite carried a lingering scent that reminded her of the dental office reception, and an unfamiliar floral-print bathroom bag sat half-open next to Mark’s razor. Good riddance, in a way, and Leonie grabbed her robe and stuffed it into her luggage, picturing a future negotiation between her lawyer and Mark’s over a fancy boardroom table.
Another buzz.
MAMA CHIN
You wait there, I drive you
ME
I'll be fine, I'm almost done. I don't want to wait around
MAMA CHIN
On my way
Great.Leonie let out a frustrated growl, surprising herself with how loudly it came out. But she was alone, no one to judge her, no one to worry, so she stomped towards the front door with both suitcases in tow. She lifted them over the doorstep, only then realising how heavy they both were, now packed tight and full to bursting.
Once outside, she let out another, quieter growl, more at her situation than anything else, then begrudgingly typed a reply.
ME
I won't be at the house. Meet for lunch instead?
* * *
“Lee, what are you doing back already?” Hayden asked, as Leonie lugged her suitcases up the café’s back step. Without waiting to be asked, he stepped in and lifted them over the threshold like they weighed nothing.
“Thanks,” she puffed. “My mum insisted on picking me up, so I figured we’d have lunch here.”
“Is that . . . I mean, you mentioned things were tense at the moment. You okay?”
“Yeah, I’ll be fine. Did I miss anything fun?”
Hayden grinned. “Yes, actually. Your soup sold out already.”
“The pumpkin pie soup? No way!”
“Dee reckons we should make a double batch tomorrow, and offer a choice between mascarpone and Greek yoghurt for the topping. Lara’s got me making more shortbread fingers for dipping.”
Leonie laughed. “That whole idea was totally a joke, you know.”
“Well, then, I can’t wait to see what you come up with when you get serious.” He bumped his shoulder against hers. “Grab a table. Mackie just cleared that one at the back if you still don’t like sitting by the window.”
Settling in at The Spice Pelage had come easy. After just a week, Leonie wondered how she’d never considered working in a café before. Maybe she’d lost the will to wish for things, knowing how easily dreams could get torn away from her. But something was different now, something that began as a spark, then bloomed until she felt it in her fingertips. Being here,bathed in the aromas of coffee, pastry, breads, fruit and comfort, seemed to stoke that hope in her.
So, when Mum trundled into the café, squinting at the licensee sign above the door, Leonie didn’t feel as annoyed or frustrated as before. She waved and pushed a chair out, relieved to see her mother smile on her way over.
“This area has changed,” Mum remarked. “I haven’t been around here since . . . wah, long time already.” She put on her glasses and picked up a menu. “What is this,Tea Times? Why so many lines and boxes?” she tutted.
Leonie chuckled. “That’s a puzzle sheet, Mum. The menu is up there.” She pointed to the wall-mounted chalkboard behind the front counter and display cabinets.
Mum turned around. “Oh, quite a lot. What you want to eat?”
“Sausage roll? I can get it.” Leonie stood, but her mum stayed her with a hand, already clutching her purse.
